THE FUSION

Grey River Argus, 23 June 1925, Page 8

THE FUSION

A SIDELIGHT. Writing in the Wellington "Post,” I *■ The Watcher ’ ’ remarks: —‘ ‘Of course we do »not all see, read, or think alike on any subject placed before us orally or literally. It is therefore excusable, in a way, for those who are without al) knowledge of the things that have gone under the bridge of time during the last thirteen years in the hurly-burly of New Zealand politics. The "New Zealand Times” says: “Tt is rather like poetic justice that Mr. Wilford should be reminded at this stage of Mr. Massey’s overtures to the Liberals in 1923, etc.,” thereby easting a slight upon Mr. Wilford’s genuineness in his present proposals. Air. Wilford may, or he may not, be in earnest at present; but he must have had i'n his mind’s eye the 1912 periol of action of the gentlemen with whom he was dealing in connection with this proposed conference. The "New Zealand Times” also takes its evening contemporary to task for suggesting that a new programme should be evolved by the new combination! of the Government and Liberal Parties, for Mr. Coates to fly at the next General Election. Why •not? If there is to be a new party, there ought to be a now policy. Now Sir, I would like a little light from someone who knows: Where arc two of the old shining lights of the Liberal Party during all this busy time of the boiling of the carcasses of the two ol<l parties—Reform and Liberal? I refer to Sirs Jolrn Findlay and Joseph Ward. In the old days nothing could be done without one or both of these being the mover, or that at least they would be consulted. I had to take the right honourable gentleman to task on 9th or 16th September, 19.16, in the "New Zealand ’l’imes” under the heading of "The Political Plot.’’ I then said that Sir J. G. Ward’s action would wreck his party if he and his followers did not at once withdraw from their unnatural action in joining Mr. Massey’s Cabinet, and I am of the opinion tha.t even the "New Zealand Times” wil] say that I a’m a better prophet than Mr. T. E. Evans on "fusion” questions.

Mr. Coates is reported to have said that some of the Liberals have approached the Reform Party with proposals of a fusion of the two parties. Who are those Liberals? Tt would be interesting to know. T and many thousands of electors are watching the little political game that is being played to shuffle out Mr. Wilford after his six years of leadership of the Liberal Party. I also sec that you all have pulled down the "Beat the LOT’’ flag after Air Wilford set you all right when he said if it is to oppose Labour you want to get us to join you there would not be much in it for me. Sorry it is so long, but T am still